MMA gloves - How to choose the right ones for you and your training?
MMA gloves - what are they and what are they used for?
MMA gloves often referred to as grappling gloves or grappling gloves are gloves that have an open inner palm and exposed fingers. Such gloves are designed to protect the hand during impacts while maintaining grip capabilities.
Such gloves, due to their thinner cushioning layer, are harder and absorb impacts to a lesser extent than boxing or instrument gloves. However, the unquestionable advantage of gloves of this type is their lightness , good ventilation and, as already mentioned, the preservation of gripping capabilities during combat.
MMA gloves with or without a thumbstick?
Opinions are divided on whether or not grip gloves should have thumb protection. While proponents of gloves with thumb protection claim that it protects the thumb from abrasions and increases safety during sparring, opponents claim that the thumb guard reduces grappling ability during ground combat. So which version to choose?
It mainly depends on what they will be used for. If you purchase gloves for grappling combat in which grappling capabilities play a very important role, it is recommended to use gloves without thumb protection. On the other hand, if you intend to use them for stand-up fighting (boxing, krav maga, etc.) or for training on a punching bag you should choose a version with a thumb guard.
What material?
MMA gloves available on the Polish market come in natural leather and synthetic leather versions. The more durable version are, of course, those made of natural leather, although also among those made of synthetic leather you can find very successful models for relatively low prices. So before buying gloves, make sure what warranty period the gloves you are interested in are covered by and choose those models for which a longer (2-year) warranty is offered.
How to size gloves for MMA?
The most common sizes used among manufacturers of grappling gloves are S, M, L, XL it is worth remembering, however, that these are not universal sizes and their actual dimensions may vary significantly depending on the brand and model of gloves. So before buying gloves, read the size chart of the specific model carefully. Remember that the width of the hand is measured at the level of the fingers excluding the thumb - as shown in the figure.
Advice: in the case of buying MMA gloves for training on a punching bag, a better solution are those with an extended velcro that allows you to wrap the wrist twice ensuring its better stiffness. Remember that it is the wrist that is most susceptible to injury, so it is worth ensuring that it is properly protected,
